Wedding Rings
Rings are circular and without end to symbolise eternal love.
A wedding ring is worn on the third finger of the left hand because it was believed that a vein or nerve ran directly from this finger to the heart.
Rings are circular and without end to symbolise eternal love.
A wedding ring is worn on the third finger of the left hand because it was believed that a vein or nerve ran directly from this finger to the heart.
- Interestingly, in many countries, even today, including Norway, Russia, Greece, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Poland, Austria, Germany,Portugal and Spain, the wedding ring in worn on the ring finger of the right hand and not the left. In Jewish tradition, the groom places the ring on the bride’s index finger, and not the “ring” finger at all.
- Wedding rings amongst men were more common during World War II, as the men overseas wore their rings in reminder of their wives and families back home.
Wedding rings today are a billion dollar sentiment of love, but no one can really say for sure when this age old tradition actually started. Some believe that the oldest recorded exchange of wedding rings comes from ancient Egypt, about 4800 years ago. Sedges, rushes and reeds, growing alongside the well-known papyrus were twisted and braided into rings for fingers and other decorative ornaments worn by the women in those days.
In years gone by, the exchange of the wedding ring at the wedding ceremony was a part of an economic commitment, not a symbol of love and devotion. Men gave their brides engagement rings to show her family that they were financially able to support her. In fact, the wedding ring was initially given along with a purse full of gold coins, a visible sign of the groom’s commitment to support his bride and provide for her needs.
In several traditions, the best man or maid of honour has the duty of keeping track of a couple's wedding rings and to produce them at the symbolic moment of the giving and receiving of the rings during the traditional marriage ceremony. In more elaborate weddings, a ring bearer (who is often part of the family of the bride or groom) may assist in the ceremonial parading of the rings into the ceremony, often on a special cushion.
There are many explanations for the tradition of the wedding ring and this is just another one-
Many of the wedding traditions that we follow today date back to centuries past, while others are only a few years old. The exchanging of rings, depending on which explanation you believe, is one of the oldest marital traditions around. One version of the origin of the wedding ring states that, during prehistoric times, the groom would bind the bride’s ankles and wrists with grass, to keep her soul from escaping (some say it was really to keep her from running away!). Once the ceremony was complete, he would remove the rope, and tie it to one of her fingers. This tradition gradually evolved from grass, to rope, to leather, and finally, to a metal band. Another story comes from the ancient Romans, who placed a ring on the third finger, because it was believed to house the “Vena Amoris” or the “Vein of Love,” which ran directly to the heart. They chose the left hand, because the heart was then believed to be on the left side of the chest. These traditions were spread ’round the world, as new lands were discovered; thus, we have the tradition of the wedding band that is still highly recognized today across many religions and cultures.
There are many explanations for the tradition of the wedding ring and this is just another one-
Many of the wedding traditions that we follow today date back to centuries past, while others are only a few years old. The exchanging of rings, depending on which explanation you believe, is one of the oldest marital traditions around. One version of the origin of the wedding ring states that, during prehistoric times, the groom would bind the bride’s ankles and wrists with grass, to keep her soul from escaping (some say it was really to keep her from running away!). Once the ceremony was complete, he would remove the rope, and tie it to one of her fingers. This tradition gradually evolved from grass, to rope, to leather, and finally, to a metal band. Another story comes from the ancient Romans, who placed a ring on the third finger, because it was believed to house the “Vena Amoris” or the “Vein of Love,” which ran directly to the heart. They chose the left hand, because the heart was then believed to be on the left side of the chest. These traditions were spread ’round the world, as new lands were discovered; thus, we have the tradition of the wedding band that is still highly recognized today across many religions and cultures.
Engagement Rings
Engagement rings originated from the custom of exchanging rings to seal an important agreement.
An engagement ring is a ring indicating that the person wearing it is engaged to be married, especially in Western cultures. In the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and North America, engagement rings are traditionally worn only by women, and rings can feature diamonds or other gemstones. In other cultures men and women wear matching rings. In some cultures, engagement rings are also used as wedding rings.
Conventionally, the woman's ring is presented as a betrothal gift by a man to his prospective spouse while he proposes marriage or directly after she accepts his marriage proposal. It represents a formal agreement to future marriage.
In North America, Ireland and the United Kingdom, it is customarily worn on the left hand ring finger, though customs vary across the world.
One reason for the increased popularity of expensive engagement rings is its relationship to human sexuality and the woman's marriage prospects. Until the Great Depression, a man who broke off a marriage engagement could be sued for breach of promise. Monetary damages included actual expenses incurred in preparing for the wedding, plus damages for emotional distress and loss of other marriage prospects. Damages were greatly increased if the woman had engaged in sexual intercourse with her fiancé. Beginning in 1935, these laws were repealed or limited. However, the social and financial cost of a broken engagement was no less: marriage was the only financially sound option for most women, and if she was no longer a virgin, her prospects for a suitable future marriage were greatly decreased. The diamond engagement ring thus became a source of financial security for the woman.
The Claddagh is a uniquely Irish ring that can be used as an engagement ring, a wedding ring, or just as a gesture of friendship. The way in which it is worn, whether it is worn on the right or left hand, and which direction it faces, lets people know whether it is an engagement ring or wedding band. Its design, featuring a pair of clasped hands, a heart and a crown, represents friendship, love and loyalty, making it perfect for an engagement ring with real symbolic value. The Claddagh ring was first produced in Ireland in the 17th century, and legends about its mysterious origins and protective powers.
Engagement rings originated from the custom of exchanging rings to seal an important agreement.
An engagement ring is a ring indicating that the person wearing it is engaged to be married, especially in Western cultures. In the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and North America, engagement rings are traditionally worn only by women, and rings can feature diamonds or other gemstones. In other cultures men and women wear matching rings. In some cultures, engagement rings are also used as wedding rings.
Conventionally, the woman's ring is presented as a betrothal gift by a man to his prospective spouse while he proposes marriage or directly after she accepts his marriage proposal. It represents a formal agreement to future marriage.
In North America, Ireland and the United Kingdom, it is customarily worn on the left hand ring finger, though customs vary across the world.
One reason for the increased popularity of expensive engagement rings is its relationship to human sexuality and the woman's marriage prospects. Until the Great Depression, a man who broke off a marriage engagement could be sued for breach of promise. Monetary damages included actual expenses incurred in preparing for the wedding, plus damages for emotional distress and loss of other marriage prospects. Damages were greatly increased if the woman had engaged in sexual intercourse with her fiancé. Beginning in 1935, these laws were repealed or limited. However, the social and financial cost of a broken engagement was no less: marriage was the only financially sound option for most women, and if she was no longer a virgin, her prospects for a suitable future marriage were greatly decreased. The diamond engagement ring thus became a source of financial security for the woman.
The Claddagh is a uniquely Irish ring that can be used as an engagement ring, a wedding ring, or just as a gesture of friendship. The way in which it is worn, whether it is worn on the right or left hand, and which direction it faces, lets people know whether it is an engagement ring or wedding band. Its design, featuring a pair of clasped hands, a heart and a crown, represents friendship, love and loyalty, making it perfect for an engagement ring with real symbolic value. The Claddagh ring was first produced in Ireland in the 17th century, and legends about its mysterious origins and protective powers.
